A highly selective dual-channel Hg2+ chemosensor based on an easy to prepare double naphthalene Schiff base

A non-sulfur chemosensor based on an easy to prepare double naphthalene Schiff base is reported for the colorimetric and fluorometric dual-channel sensing of Hg2+ ions by taking advantage of the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) mechanism. This work provides a novel approach for the selective recognition of mercury ions. Moreover, this sensor serves as a potential recyclable component in sensing materials and the complex L-Hg2+ (L = 1-[(2-naphthalenylimino)methyl]-2-naphthalenol) can therefore be used as a fluorescent sensor for iodine anions. Notably, the color changes are very significant and all the recognition and recycling processes can be observed by the naked eye.